Facility

California Science Center Foundation

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

About Us:

The California Science Center is one of the world’s leading science centers devoted to science learning. It is among the most attended museums in North America, with over 2.5 million guests each year for the past two years and is the permanent home of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The California Science Center is currently developing a major expansion, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. The California Science Center holds prestigious accreditations by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The California Science Center is a department of the State of California (State) and who works in partnership with the not-for-profit California Science Center Foundation (Foundation) to bring our mission to life. Visit us on the web to learn more: californiasciencecenter.org.

About the Job:

The Keeper with the support and assistance of the terrestrial Husbandry team, is responsible for providing daily husbandry for terrestrial animals, including daily observations of behaviors, ensuring optimal health and welfare, preparing and providing nutritious diets, maintaining accurate records, and cleaning and organizing on- and off-exhibit holding areas for terrestrial collection. The Keeper uses independent judgment and critical thinking to problem solve when necessary, keeping animal welfare at the forefront of decisions and actions and contributes to the positive and fun work environment.

Major Job Responsibilities:

– Provides daily care to terrestrial animals including exhibit maintenance, prepping diets and feeding, behavioral enrichment, record-keeping, health/behavior observations, acting upon/reporting such observations in a timely manner, and cleaning back-of-house areas. Provides medical treatments as prescribed by veterinarian.
– Works collaboratively with Husbandry team to meet or exceed the highest standards of animal care to fulfill these major job responsibilities.
– Ensures the work space, tools, and equipment are clean, organized, and functioning properly.
– Assists as necessary with veterinary treatments, animal moves, and collections and be able to quickly clean and put away equipment after use while following a strict cross contamination protocol.
– Troubleshoots animal issues in any and all emergency conditions.
– Delivers educational programming with live animals using visitor-centered techniques as necessary.
– Adheres to federal, state, and local agency laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances, as well as AZA standards.
– Assists in the advancement and implementation of exhibit goals by contributing to the design and management of the exhibit development.
– Works independently as well as collaboratively with a team on daily routines and special projects.
– Maintains a positive attitude and sets an excellent example for volunteers and colleagues.
– Represents the California Science Center Foundation in a professional manner.
– Contributes to the strategic goals of the Living Collections department by promoting, supporting, and engaging in a positive, fun, and compassionate working environment.
– Contributes to the mission of the California Science Center Foundation by stimulating curiosity and inspiring science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences.
– Performs other duties as required.

Education and Pre-requisites

– Bachelor’s degree in Biology or Zoology or related field or equivalent experience.
– 1+ year experience providing daily husbandry to terrestrial animals in a zoological setting, preferably at an AZA-accredited institution.
– Knowledge of modern principles of animal care and welfare, including behavioral enrichment, behavioral observations, nutrition, disease, and training.
– Specific knowledge of herpetological and invertebrate life of the Sonoran desert and tropical ecosystems highly desirable.
– Ability to practice safe animal handling practices and maintain a safe working environment.
– Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds and up to 75 pounds on occasion, kneel, bend, crouch, squat, and stand for extended periods of time.
– Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances as applicable to possessing native and exotic wild animals, as well as AZA standards for animal care and welfare desirable.
– Strong organizational and computer skills (MS Office programs such as Excel, Word, and Outlook). Experience with Tracks record-keeping system highly preferred or ability to become proficient.
– Ability to maintain accurate and timely daily records required.
– Ability to use independent judgment and critical thinking to problem solve.
– Ability to adapt to changes and remain calm and focused in emergency situations.
– Strong written and verbal communication skills essential, including the ability to clearly, compassionately, and respectfully engage in discussion, prevent/resolve conflict with a diverse staff in a team setting, take direction while contributing ideas.
– Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
– Ability to train and work alongside volunteers.
– Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes weekends and holidays as required.

Compensation and benefits

$18.00 an hour. California Science Center Foundation employees receive excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement package; free science center membership, group term life insurance, and 11 paid holidays.

Application instructions

Send Cover Letter, Resume, Salary Target and Job Application (https://californiasciencecenter.org/file/cscf-job-applicationpdf) to the HR Dept. via fax at 213-744-2673, email to HR@cscmail.org, or mail to the California Science Center Foundation, H. R. Dept, 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037. Only applications that include a cover letter, resume, salary target and completed job application will be considered. No phone calls please. EOE.